The 10 Most Underrated Uma Thurman Movies, Ranked (From Least to Most Underrated)

Uma Thurman has starred in a wide variety of films, from small independent projects to big-budget thrillers, and as a result, some of her best work might not be widely known. She’s excelled in quiet, character-driven films, successfully adapted literary roles for the screen, and seamlessly blended into large ensemble casts. Over the years, she’s collaborated with acclaimed directors like Stephen Frears, Richard Linklater, Andrew Niccol, Lars von Trier, and Woody Allen, creating a film collection that’s well worth exploring in detail.

This list highlights ten films that demonstrate the incredible range of her acting. You’ll discover performances featuring witty conversations and intimate settings, as well as adaptations of classic books and modern stories set in New York and other locations. If you only know her from ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘Kill Bill,’ these movies will give you a more complete understanding of her talent.

‘Prime’ (2005)

I just finished watching this fascinating film starring Uma Thurman as Rafi, a woman navigating life after a divorce. She starts seeing a younger artist she meets in New York City, but things get really complicated when she finds out he’s the son of her therapist! It’s a really interesting setup because suddenly therapy sessions start mixing with their personal relationship. The movie beautifully explores how they all deal with family, religion, and just the everyday challenges that come with a big age difference. It’s a surprisingly intimate and relatable story.

Ben Younger wrote and directed this film, which is set in various New York City locations, including downtown and the Upper West Side. Meryl Streep plays a therapist whose work gets complicated by her personal relationships, and Bryan Greenberg stars as a young artist. The movie explores the challenges of pursuing a career, navigating dating, and maintaining professional boundaries when those parts of life intersect.

‘The Truth About Cats & Dogs’ (1996)

This movie offers a fresh twist on the classic Cyrano story, featuring a clever radio personality and a quiet photographer who connect through voice alone. Uma Thurman stars as Noelle, a model who helps a friend by pretending to be her on a date, hoping to give her a chance she might not otherwise get. This simple act of kindness quickly spirals into a complicated and amusing case of mistaken identity.

Michael Lehmann’s romantic comedy creates suspense using phone conversations, on-air advice, and photoshoots across Los Angeles. Janeane Garofalo plays the radio host, and Ben Chaplin is the photographer determined to find the person behind a voice. The movie explores how being in the public eye can create a disconnect between someone’s true self and their public image.

‘Mad Dog and Glory’ (1993)

This quirky crime story centers around a Chicago evidence tech who rescues a struggling performer and gets a surprising thank you in return. Uma Thurman stars as Glory, a bartender caught in the middle of a debt owed between a police officer and a nightclub owner. The unexpected situation disrupts both of their lives and forces them to deal with responsibilities they never anticipated.

Directed by John McNaughton and written by Richard Price, the film unfolds in the city’s lesser-known areas – its apartments, bars, and backstreets. Robert De Niro stars as a quiet police officer, and Bill Murray plays a nightclub owner with considerable power. The story balances dark comedy and a subtle sense of danger as a secret deal dramatically alters the lives of those caught up in it.

‘Nymphomaniac: Vol. I’ (2013)

Uma Thurman plays Mrs. H, a woman who goes to an apartment to confront the other woman in her husband’s life, with their children present. The scene happens in real time, and the small apartment makes the already uncomfortable situation even more tense. What starts as a carefully planned confrontation quickly becomes much more complex as Mrs. H’s polite but volatile behavior turns a simple visit into a painful and extended showdown.

Lars von Trier presents the film as a story unfolding over a single night, told by someone revealing a larger, personal confession. Originally released in two parts and then as a longer version, the film was made with international collaboration, using both real locations and studio sets. Uma Thurman’s part of the story gained particular attention for its realistic setting and focus on subtle character actions.

‘Beautiful Girls’ (1996)

Old friends gather in a New England town for a high school reunion, and the event makes them think about their careers, relationships, and what it means to be an adult. Uma Thurman plays Andera, a cousin visiting from Chicago, who shakes things up when she starts chatting with the locals at the town bar. She effortlessly connects her experiences from outside the town with the familiar lives of those who stayed.

Directed by Ted Demme, the film features a talented cast including Timothy Hutton, Matt Dillon, Michael Rapaport, Natalie Portman, and Rosie O’Donnell. It follows their characters’ lives through scenes in homes, restaurants, and bars, revealing their journeys as they navigate new beginnings. The story unfolds with a natural pace, driven by realistic conversations, a memorable soundtrack, and a recurring meeting place that connects everyone.

‘Tape’ (2001)

This intimate film takes place entirely within a single motel room and reunites three former classmates after many years. Uma Thurman stars as Amy, a lawyer, who reconnects with an old boyfriend and a friend while attending a local film festival. Their weekend reunion quickly becomes a series of recorded talks, compelling them to confront a shared night they each remember in different ways.

Richard Linklater filmed Stephen Belber’s play using digital video to make it feel like a live conversation. Ethan Hawke and Robert Sean Leonard join the cast, and the camera work focuses on the subtle shifts in how the characters interact and the nuances of their conversations. The entire film takes place in one location, which emphasizes the actors’ performances and the story unfolding through flashbacks, recordings, and honest admissions.

‘Sweet and Lowdown’ (1999)

This funny and heartwarming drama centers on a guitarist who, despite being quite skilled, has plenty of personal issues. Uma Thurman stars as Blanche, a writer who begins a relationship with the musician and uses their experiences as inspiration for her novels. The story explores the ups and downs of their connection, showing how easily admiration can turn to frustration when creativity clashes with the demands of public life.

Woody Allen uses a documentary style with interviews and vividly recreates the jazz clubs and boardwalks of the time period. Sean Penn stars as a guitarist, and Samantha Morton plays a silent seamstress, both representing different types of relationships. The film mixes traditional scenes with interview segments to explore themes of ambition, creativity, and how memory can be flawed.

‘Les Misérables’ (1998)

This film is based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel and follows a man trying to rebuild his life while being pursued by a determined police officer. Uma Thurman stars as Fantine, a struggling factory worker whose difficult circumstances lead to her daughter being raised by innkeepers, and a crucial promise that shapes everything that happens next. The movie powerfully depicts the hardships of poverty and how unexpected connections can form between people.

Directed by Bille August, this film tells the story of the chase between Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert, without using musical numbers. Liam Neeson stars as Valjean, Geoffrey Rush as Javert, and Claire Danes as Cosette. Filmed on location throughout Europe, the movie captures the look of cities, courts, and countryside during a period of social upheaval and changing luck.

‘Dangerous Liaisons’ (1988)

This play is based on the novel *Dangerous Liaisons* and centers on two wealthy, manipulative aristocrats who enjoy controlling those around them. Uma Thurman stars as Cécile de Volanges, a naive young woman raised in a convent, whose upcoming marriage makes her a target for their schemes. Through letters and life lessons, Cécile unknowingly becomes a pawn in their game, controlled by those more cunning and less concerned with morality.

Directed by Stephen Frears, the film boasts a talented cast including Glenn Close, John Malkovich, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Keanu Reeves plays a music teacher who unexpectedly becomes involved in the story. Known for its stunning costumes and detailed sets, the movie beautifully depicts France before the revolution. It received numerous awards for its design and writing, and continues to be a popular and important adaptation of the novel, often used in educational settings.

‘Gattaca’ (1997)

Set in the not-too-distant future, where society is built around genetic information, Uma Thurman stars as Irene Cassini, a skilled navigator for a top space agency. She begins to suspect a coworker is living under a false identity. The film follows the meticulous steps needed to verify identities and explores how constant monitoring affects personal connections. As a crucial mission to Titan draws near, Irene finds herself caught between the agency’s goals and her own growing doubts.

Directed by Andrew Niccol and starring Ethan Hawke and Jude Law, the film uses the clean, modern architecture of California to portray a society controlled subtly, not through obvious power. The film’s design, from its sets to the characters’ clothes, highlights order and precision, and Michael Nyman’s music builds a sense of urgency. It’s become well-known as a thought-provoking example when people talk about genetics, employee screening, and equal opportunity.

Tell us about an underrated Uma Thurman movie you love! Which one do you think deserves more attention?

2025-09-22 23:51